Team Previews: Juventus midfielders need to show growth this year
By Nick Belotto
![CARSON, CALIFORNIA - JULY 27: Daniele Rugani #24 of Juventus celebrates his goal with teammates, to tie the game 2-2 with AC Milan, during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Juventus and AC Milan at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 27, 2023 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) CARSON, CALIFORNIA - JULY 27: Daniele Rugani #24 of Juventus celebrates his goal with teammates, to tie the game 2-2 with AC Milan, during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Juventus and AC Milan at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 27, 2023 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c8fa0029f5c6bc29a5526d995ef6574407f489f955a893bee14b1c5ec60c385e.jpg)
Filip Kostic should also look to build on a solid season for the Bianconeri.
He joined Juventus in the summer of 2022 as the team looked to add speed to the outside mid position. Luckily for Juventus, that’s exactly what he did. Unfortunately for Juventus, that’s really his only strength.
Kostic isn’t known for cutting inside effectively like his wing counterpart Federico Chiesa. He’s much more of an outside guy who tries to drive the ball into the center of the pitch. He’s not necessarily a goal-scoring player, but it’s possible for him to get a few over the course of the year.
On the outside, his speed can really push a defense and his desire to cross into the box for running forwards is effective when the strikers are actually finishing their shots. He finished the year with 3 goals and 8 assists which are solid, but less than spectacular numbers. Of course, some of that could be on players like Dusan Vlahovic who struggled in the box last season. Kostic should be able to duplicate those numbers.
If Juve’s attacking crew can be more consistent in the box, Kostic should be able to duplicate his numbers from last season, if not exceed them.